"That's kind of the tie-in with the free-range yoga," she said. "I want everyone to have better and healthier lives."

Piper opened the Free Range Yoga and Community Wellness Center on Monday in the old Ford Hopkins building, 118 N. Lafayette St. Along with a variety of yoga classes, the center offers Zumba dance and kundalini yoga, which focuses on breathing control and chanting, through instructors Anne Dixon and Kitty Karn.

Piper has taught yoga since 2005 and most recently taught classes at the Spencer Recreation Center at Western Illinois University, where she is also working on master's degree in kinesiology.

Yoga is so good for slowing down the fast world we live in," she said about why she loves yoga. 'It gives you time to rest and digress. I can't even describe how good you feel when you try yoga."

Among the yoga classes Piper offers is a Happy Hour class from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. No cocktails are served, but guests are welcome to come alone or bring a friend, significant other or date.

"You can just let go of the week and de-stress and get ready for the weekend," Piper said.

All Zumba and yoga classes are $10 each for drop-ins. Cards for any five, 10 or 20 yoga classes may be purchased for $45, $60 or $160. Zumba cards for any five or 10 classes may be purchased for $40 or $60.

Additionally, private classes are available at $40 per hour by appointment.

For more information about the classes, contact Piper at 309-333-5069 or dawn@freerangeyoga.us. More information and a complete classes schedule is also available at www.freerangeyoga.us.